A CALL has been made for an independent inquiry into the deaths of people in police custody.
Scottish Labour Justice spokeswoman Claire Baker has asked First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to consider the move following a review in England and Wales.
Carried out by Scotland’s former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini, it has demanded sweeping reforms to the police and justice system south of the Border.
In Scotland, the family of Sheku Bayoh are still awaiting answers. The 31-year-old died in 2015 after being restrained by police in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Baker said: “As Sheku Bayoh’s case shows, we face a number of the same challenges that prompted a similar review in England and Wales.
“We face being left behind if we do not set in motion our own inquiry.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Any death in custody in Scotland is treated very seriously. We will study this report carefully and determine whether there is any further action that should be taken.”
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